The Las Vegas Raiders could trade superstar edge defender Maxx Crosby less than one year after signing him to a contract extension. The big-name pass rusher reportedly stormed out of the team facility after the organization informed him he would not play the final two games of this lost season, as they didn’t want to risk injuring him towards the end of a lost season. Crosby obviously wants to play and has no interest in tanking for better draft picks, and this frustration could lead to a nasty divorce.
Crosby recently signed a massive extension, and, generally speaking, deals like this can complicate trade talks. However, this isn’t the case for the Raiders star defensive end. Underdog’s Hayden Winks notes that Crosby’s contract is “extremely tradeable,” and the mere $5 million in dead money has “both teams incentivized to move on.”
The Maxx Crosby Contract Is Easy For Raiders to Trade
Every single team in the league would love to have someone like Maxx Crosby on their roster, especially given his contract status. While he will be 29 next year, he’s made five straight Pro Bowls and is elite against both the run and the pass. While anyone could make a move for him, the following three teams make the most sense.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline – Imagn Images
3. Carolina Panthers
While they haven’t officially clinched anything yet, the Carolina Panthers control their own destiny in the race for the NFC South. This team has come a long way in the past two years, and the organization doesn’t need to make a decision on Bryce Young for at least two more seasons. With this in mind, they might as well attempt to maximize the window of Young’s rookie contract by trading for Maxx Crosby.
The Panthers could use another game-changing talent on the defensive line. Derrick Brown is one of the game’s premier interior defenders, but rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen don’t appear destined for greatness. While either one could turn into a solid starter, they probably won’t reach Crosby’s greatness.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have a historically bad defense, and they must do something to fix the unit in the upcoming offseason. The offensive trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins is fantastic, but you can’t bet on winning every game in shootout fashion. The defense needs to show up at some point, and Maxx Crosby could be the best way to quickly improve this roster.
Trey Hendrickson will almost certainly leave in free agency, and first-round pick Shemar Stewart hasn’t done much to inspire confidence. Maxx Crosby would immediately bring a base level of competence to the defensive line.
1. New England Patriots
No matter what happens with the New England Patriots in 2025, the future is bright for this organization. They have the most cap space in the league, a 12-3 record, and a franchise quarterback in MVP candidate Drake Maye. There’s no bigger advantage than an elite quarterback on a rookie contract, and New England can maximize their championship window by trading for Maxx Crosby.
While the Patriots have a strong core, quarterback, and coaching staff, they don’t have too many star players. Crosby could be the difference-making force this defensive line needs, and pairing him with Milton Williams should terrify the rest of the AFC East.
